The infamous pastor from N.C. who told parents to BEAT the gay out of their children has retracted his violent and disgusting statement and claimed his terrible sermon was taken out of context.

Watch the video (above) and decide for yourself what context those ill-informed comments were meant to be in.

Here's what Pastor Harris said:

"Those were not the best choice of words. If I had to do it over again again I would not choose those words. I was using hyperbole in an effort to communicate the importance of the gender distinctions that God created."

He claims his sermon was based on specific bible passages which condemn homosexuality, but when asked about similar passages that condone slavery, Harris insisted slavery is wrong. At least he got something right.